When you wake up, stretch, take a few deep breaths, and smile.
Listen to the sounds around you, feel the sensations on your skin, feel the sensations associated with your breath.
Meditate for a few minutes or longer.
Contemplate or read something about mindfulness or a spiritual pursuit contributing to inner peace.
Set an intention for the day if you are so led.
Recite the following (or similar)(based on lovingkindness, towards yourself and others):
May I be mindful of my thoughts, words, and actions
May I cultivate goodness, kindness, and joy
May I be mindful of the present moment
May I be mindful of our interconnectedness
May I be thankful
May calm and peace be my guide
May I be safe and free from suffering
May all experience goodness, kindness, and joy
May all abide in peace
May all be safe and free from suffering
"Serenity Prayer"
May my practice grant me the serenity to
Accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
And wisdom to know the difference.
If you are spiritual, perhaps consider something like the following:
A modified version of the "Lord's Prayer" (with consideration of the original Aramaic)
Divine consciousness
May our life energy be in harmony
May we be nourished, in body, mind, and spirit
May we not be caught up in anger, hatred, missteps, or judgment - towards ourselves or others
May we be free from clinging and suffering
May we awaken
Potential reminders for the day:
Let these be your guide- peace, love, joy, kindness, gentleness, goodness, patience, self-control and faithfulness (to your path, the universe, your god, etc.)
Do mini-meditations throughout the day and incorporate mindfulness practices throughout the day- for example, at a red light or the grocery store in line, breathe in "peace to me," breathe out "peace to all,"...
Consider the totality of existence is beyond our understanding and perceptions- Good, bad, who knows?
Remember the present/"Now" is really all there is- the most important person is whomever you are with, the most important thing is whatever you are doing in the moment, the most important time is now
